According to Reuters, Rassie Erasmus will lead South Africa as coach into the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Jerry Flannery, former Ireland hooker, will join the technical team as the defense coach, and ex-New Zealand flyhalf Tony Brown will focus on sharpening the attack.
Erasmus, who previously held the position in 2019 when South Africa won the World Cup, took over the role of director of rugby but will now return as the head coach. This comes after Jacques Nienaber left the position to join Irish side Leinster, with attack coach Felix Jones departing to work with Steve Borthwick’s England.
Flannery, a former player with 41 caps for Ireland, had been working as an assistant coach at English side Harlequins. Brown, who won 18 caps with the All Blacks, previously served as assistant coach with Japan at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups. He also coached the Super Rugby side Otago Highlanders and played for the Stormers and Sharks in South Africa.
Erasmus stated in a SA Rugby statement on Tuesday that he plans to be more hands-on during field sessions in his new role. As the Director of Rugby, he worked on team structures and strategy alongside Jacques and other coaches, making the transition back to head coach easier.
Former referee Jaco Peyper, who retired last month, will join the team management to assist with interpreting the laws of the game. Additionally, assistant coaches Mzwandile Stick, Deon Davids, and Daan Human, along with head of Athletic performance Andy Edwards, have all had their contracts extended until the 2027 World Cup.
Recently retired number eight Duane Vermeulen has joined SA Rugby in their mobi-coaching unit to assist various South African national teams. The Springboks are in discussions with Welsh Rugby for a one-off test at Twickenham before a two-test home series against Ireland in July, but no deal has been finalized yet.
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
